“Pònkler” Pinot Nero Alto Adige DOC 2019

Franz Haas | South Tyrol
Franz Haas S.r.l. | Villnerstrasse 6 | IT 39040 Montan

01023019 · 0,75 l · 158,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
Limitation of 2 articles per customer

In 2007, Franz Haas planted a single vineyard at an altitude of 750 metres, which was intended to encapsulate his understanding of Pinot Nero in the Dolomites. The name "Pònkler" refers to this exceptional parcel, where French clones thrive in extreme planting density on weathered porphyry soil. South-south-west facing, very low yields of between 25 and 30 hectolitres per hectare, only 2,500 to 3,500 bottles per year – these are the sobering facts behind a wine that culminates Franz Haas' three-decade-long obsession with Pinot Nero. Franz has vinified and meticulously documented 592 (!) different Pinot Nero versions in his lifetime. Every clone, every vinification method, every ageing process has been meticulously recorded – the search for the perfect Pinot Nero, which he demanded of himself but never thought he had achieved. Pònkler represents this tirelessness: the altitude gives the wine those ripe notes that only develop in the cool alpine climate, where the grapes have time to develop phenolic ripeness and freshness at the same time.

Vinification follows classic Burgundian principles, adapted for South Tyrolean altitudes. Fermentation in open stainless steel tanks, frequent but gentle crushing of the cap for optimal extraction of colour and aromas. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is transferred to barriques, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and matures for 15 months. Several years of bottle ageing before release complete the development – patience as part of the philosophy.

The bouquet reveals extreme concentration and depth: ripe red and black berries dominate, underpinned by star anise and leather. On the palate, the wine is reminiscent of cinchona bark and impresses with enormous substance and tannins capable of development, pronounced fullness and a long-lasting finish. This is not a wine for quick enjoyment, but a Pinot Nero that combines the patience of Burgundy with the alpine freshness of South Tyrol – a monument to Franz Haas' lifelong dedication to the most capricious of all grape varieties. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour with a sparkling core. A finesse-rich nose of ripe raspberries, sage, noble green-spicy components, with an aftertaste of candied ginger, rosehips and blood orange. Lots of depth and elegance on the palate, spreads over the tongue with fine flavours, balanced and polished, great present spiciness, paired with slightly stony components, very long finish." Falstaff

"Very aromatic and complex on the nose, offering dried wild strawberries, potpourri, pomegranate skin, chocolate and oranges. Medium- to full-bodied and well structured. The tannins show firmness yet are very fine and polished in texture, leading to a dry, earthy finish." James Suckling